It may have been their first ever Varsity Football tournament, but NWU-Pukke made a huge statement with their performances this year.

 

They were just one win away from qualifying for the semifinals and were also flirting with top spot for much of the early rounds of the tournament before a slump in the final three rounds put paid to their hopes.

 

After a first-round loss to Walter Sisulu University away from home Pukke went on to win their next three games against VUT, Wits and NMMU. They then lost their final three games against UWC, UP-Tuks and TUT.

 

We took a look at four of their young players who made a big impression during this year's tournament.

 

Kagiso Pitso

 

Probably the competition's best wing midfielder with his guile and control on the ball. He proved to be menace for a lot of defensive units in this year's competition and also combined well with his younger brother, Gontse, on occasions. Pitso is also one of three players nominated for this year's Varsity Football Player of the tournament along with UWC's Thulani Mkosi and UP-Tuks' Jeremiah Nkwana.

 

Gontse Pitso

 

The younger of the two Pitso brothers is almost a carbon copy of his older brother, however he does have some subtle differences to his playing style. Gontse normally plays on the left wing, but could often been see interchanging with his brother on the right hand side. He takes the ball to the opposition defences with speed and can control the ball with either foot just like a seasoned professional.

 

Patrick Lebitsa

 

One of the form strikers in this year's Varsity Football tournament. He played a big part in Pukke's three wins this year with his goals and linked well with the two Pitso brothers on attack. His height and physical strength gave him a huge advantage in the final third, especially in the air and also had a good eye for spotting open spaces.

 

Bonginkosi Mnyamane

 

The Potch team's defence was definitely not the best in the competition, but they did have their moments. One defender that definitely stood out was captain Bonginkosi Mnyamane. He defended like a demon on a number of occasions in a defence that was unable to perform as an effective unit.    

 

If Pukke are able to hold onto these players for the 2016 season, then they will be a serious force and likely championship contenders.